pájaro
“pájaro” means “bird” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
bird
Also: fowl
📝 In Action
Vi un pájaro azul muy bonito en el jardín.
A1I saw a very beautiful blue bird in the garden.
El pájaro carpintero hace un sonido muy fuerte.
A2The woodpecker (carpenter bird) makes a very loud sound.
sly person, fellow
Also: rascal
📝 In Action
No confíes en él, es un pájaro de cuidado.
B2Don't trust him, he's a tricky/suspicious fellow.
¡Mira qué pájaro, se ha comido todo el pastel!
B1Look at that rascal, he ate the whole cake!
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: pájaro
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'pájaro' in its figurative, informal meaning?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Vulgar Latin *passar*, which itself descended from the classical Latin word *passer*, meaning 'sparrow'. It has been used in Spanish since the Middle Ages.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'pájaro' and 'ave'?
'Pájaro' usually refers to small, common, singing birds (like sparrows or robins) and is the most common word in daily speech. 'Ave' is the general, more technical or formal term for any bird, including larger birds like eagles or ostriches.
Can I use 'pájaro' to call a woman sly?
No. Since 'pájaro' is a masculine noun, it is almost exclusively used to refer to a man or boy when used figuratively. You would need another word, like 'pilla' (rascal/sly girl), for a woman.